What exactly is the difference between an "Internist" and a "Family Practitioner"? We're looking 4 a new PCP

Question:

(Primary Care Physician) since we are so disappointed with our current one. When I consulted our Health Plan's online Provider Directory asking for a list of PCPs in our area, they listed both Family Practitioners and Internists. Which do you think are better qualified for being a PCP and why, please, along with explaining the difference between the two. THANK YOU, in advance!

Answer:
An Internest (Internal Medicine/Adult Medicine) is specialized in adult medicine, whereas a family practitioner is trained in both adult and pediatric medicine, so a family practitioner would be able to care for the whole family, young and old, whereas an internest would only be able to care for adults.

If you are looking for convenience, then a family practitioner is the choice, but if you want good quality of care, an internest for the adult members and a pediatrician for the kids would be a wiser route to go with. Since internests and pediatricians are "specialized" in their care for the specific patient population, they will more than likely be more knowledgeable about the various illnesses that can plague their patients, whereas a family practitioner can be said to "know a little about everything, but not a lot about anything," so he will more than likely refer you to a speciailist at each visit.

I had an internist for inner things--ulcers. He is a specialist, whereas the family practitioner is a general MD

An internist is still in training. A Family practitioner is a fully qualified Dr. I think that should answer both questions perfectly.

What exactly is the difference between an "Internist" and a "Family Practitioner"? We're looking 4 a new PCP

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